Behind the scene at the USBC: Scorekeeping

I have volunteered to be a scorekeeper for this year’s 2011 United States Barista Championship in Houston. Why would someone ever volunteer for such a job in the exciting world of barista competitions? The simple answer is that it needs to be done and I like scorekeeping. When the Head Judge hands over the score sheets (a Head Judge Sheet, two Technical Judges Sheets and four Sensory Judges Sheets) they must be input into a excel worksheet that compiles the total scores for each sheet and then all scores go on the Head Judge Sheet for a final tally.

For each competitor it means 140 scoring entries in excel. Day one and two have 38 competitors, semi-finals have 25 competitors and the finals have six. That’s a total of 69 competitors multiplied by 140 entries, which equals 9,660 scores placed in excel with absolutely having no errors. Checked once, twice and a third time. Ok – you get it, I geek out on numbers – it’s my thing and everyone that knows me has pretty much learned to appreciate me for it.

I take a great deal of pride in my role as scorekeeper. I have been active for three years and participated as scorekeeper in five regionals, three USBC’s and one World Barista Championship. I’m in a position where I can say to competing baristas that they are in good and just hands. The judges work extremely hard to make sure the playing field is level and the head judges are real pro’s at their job. Marcus Boni and his team make sure you are all treated the same and I’m at the tail end to make sure that the scores add up.

I’m looking forward to this year’s USBC and sending the best baristas to the WBC. Make sure to say hi if you see me at the USBC. If you ask me who’s winning just remember all you will get from me is a big smile.